Entries tagged with computers - Channel 10

Paglo and Spiceworks: Web Apps for I.T.

sarahintampa — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:59:00 GMT

Paglo, now out of private beta, is a search engine for I.T. To use the app, an admin downloads it to a machine on the corporate network, and then it will begin collecting information on the I.T. infrastructure. Paglo uses common protocols like SNMP to pull information from computers, servers, switches, routers, and network printers. That information can then be made available to any authorized user as dashboards – which are customized displays showing information like CPU use, disk space, etc. In addition, Paglo lets you do inventory management, network management, software audits, as well as network searches. Because Paglo is open source, any organization can use it an extend it as they see fit. For more details on Paglo, the AppScout blog has a really thorough review you should read if you’re interested in this type of thing. I never had the opportunity to try Paglo when I was in I.T., but it looks like it does a great job.

Another web app for SMB I.T. admins that I did try was Spiceworks. Since the time I used it, it has gone through several upgrades and it keeps becoming more and more useful. The latest version, Spiceworks 3.0 now offers Active Directory integration, so your computer groups will copy over to the application, instead of you having to re-create them there. There’s also a new feature that lets you monitor the health of your Exchange Server. You can browse through your software, devices, and groups in cover-flow style, schedule automatic backups, keep tabs on windows events, and fully customize your help desk portal. And those are just some of the new features! In addition, the software also does inventory management, auditing, reporting, and provides a help desk.

Both software programs – OK, they have web interfaces, but they are installable software – are great ways for the overburdened I.T. departments to keep track of network inventory and management without the need for physical or manual reviews of the devices. Even better, they’re both free!

JD, Nic, and Brian Podcast - Episode 8

brianjo — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:08:00 GMT

This week in the JD, Nic, and Brian Podcast, we talk about Shutter Speed, Nic's new photogaphy show on Channel 10, we discuss talking with bloggers about WorldWide Telescope, and finally JD hints at plans to build a car computer.

Links:
ShutterSpeed Episode 01
ShutterSpeed Episode 02
Blogger Back Channel Event: World Wide Telescope - AM Session
Blogger Back Channel Event: World Wide Telescope
Hands on with the Rio iBar Microsoft Surface units
Microsoft Surface at the Rio in Las Vegas; Your Virtual Wingman
WorldWide Telescope Home
Office Live Meeting

BlackBird HP Gaming System....sexy and sweet

Laura — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 21:52:00 GMT

The first true collaboration between HP and Voodoo PC has arrived: the HP Blackbird gaming system. This system—named after the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance plane—gives HP the weapon it needed in the fight against rivals such as Alienware, Falcon Northwest, Overdrive PC, and Dell (with its XPS line). Little touches and consolidated improvements from both HP and Voodoo make the Blackbird the most compelling gaming system I've seen. This is a system I would show off if I had one. (hint, hint)